Kiss Shy Goodbye. Well, Almost.

Someone said that shyness is the result of focusing too much attention on oneself. The trick is to break the old cycle of nervous anticipation and response. Remember that your breathing is your guardian angel and is ALWAYS there for you.

IN ADVANCE OF SHY-TIME, DROP YOUR BREATHING INTO YOUR LOWER LUNGS AND SLOW IT DOWN.

Decide ahead of time that you will hold onto that breathing speed and placement NO MATTER WHAT. Nothing to lose here! You can always return to palm sweating pulse-pounding misery if the breathing focus doesn’t work. No matter how awkward things may get, never once lose your focus on your breathing.

You (yes, you) have the capability of bringing light, laughter, joy and serenity to any space or any group. You may be shy because somewhere, sometime a long time ago, someone accidentally or intentionally convinced you otherwise. Perhaps the focus could shift to what positive energy you can BRING to a space, what joy can you BRING to a group.

Imagine that you are an artist and that you will focus on “artist” things like how many red ties are there in the room, who has the nicest smile, who has the saddest face. Or imagine that you are a reporter and that you need to come away with at least one good story. Of course, don’t TELL people you are an artist (unless you actually are).

Be well. Breathe beautifully.